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Google News Adds Comments: Why?

posted on August 8, 2007


Google has bloggers scratching their heads this morning with the introduction of comments on Google News.

We’ll be trying out a mechanism for publishing comments from a special subset of readers: those people or organizations who were actual participants in the story in question. Our long-term vision is that any participant will be able to send in their comments, and we’ll show them next to the articles about the story. Comments will be published in full, without any edits, but marked as “comments” so readers know it’s the individual’s perspective, rather than part of a journalist’s report.

As others have pointed out, does Google really know what it’s letting itself in for? I have enough time keeping comments moderated and spam out, I’d hate to see Google’s comment spam.

(image courtesy of SEL)

The test is only in the US and don’t rush to add a comment – Google has decided not to give commenters a link back. And you thought “nofollow” in WordPress comments was bad – at least you get a link!

Please share your thoughts below.


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  • http://www.markbarrera.com Mark Barrera

    I don’t know what to make of this. Seems like there is something up Google’s sleeve besides just another page to put their ads on…

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  • http://www.thevanblog.com Steven Bradley

    I’m guessing Google sees it as a way to get more people using Google News by allowing them more interaction.

    It does seem like spam waiting to happen, though the lack of any links is probably meant to combat the spam.

  • http://www.jaankanellis.com Jaan Kanellis

    Seems like a big opportunity for SPAM.

    Also how do they pick the “actual participants”. By hand?

  • http://www.transfoundation.org The Idealist

    It’s not bad to allow comments on the news stories. I think anytime you engage the online community it’s a good thing. I think there may need some oversight so comments that don’t add anything to the discussion, use profanity, or try to sell a product, are deleted before everyone gets to see them.

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